As the author of the "Fast Food Maven" blog for The Orange County Register, I devour more than my fair share of burgers each year. My food adventures run the gamut. I dine on burgers found in hidden gems, fast-food chains and upscale restaurants.

I love all types of burgers and believe it's unfair to compare a top notch fast-food burger like In-N-Out Burger to a premium burger such as The Counter – both well-deserved readers' choice winners in this category. This year, my top burger choice is one that satisfies three key requirements: sophistication, melt-in-your mouth goodness and craveability. The latter is an especially important requirement because ultimately, when I'm in a carnivorous mood, the burger I think of the most is the Haven Burger at Haven Gastropub in Orange.

The Haven Burger, which accounts for 10 percent of the restaurant's sales, stands alone as the only beef burger on the menu. It's clear why. Executive Chef Greg Daniels delivers perfection. No other choices are needed. (Although, the lamb burger isn't too shabby.)

The Haven Burger contains a hand-formed 9-ounce patty -- a custom grind of chuck (65 percent), short rib (15 percent) and pork fat (20 percent). The pork fat is sneaky – responsible for giving the burger added flavor and moisture. Even if you sinfully order this burger well done, you'll still get a juicy bite. The palate party continues as the meat flavors blend with the toppings: St. Agur bleu cheese, jay leaf arugula, roasted red bell peppers, pickled red onions and garlic aioli.

The savory umami layers (salty, bitter, sweet, sour) are tucked between a brioche bun courtesy of top local baking company, OC Baking Co. of Orange. The result is an irresistible burger beauty well worth the $10 price tag.

(Sept. 24 update: Haven reps say the Haven Burger now sells for $14. At press time in June, the burger sold for $10. )

Haven Gastropub has one location in Old Towne Orange, and one in Pasadena.

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